Contents

Background

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides
a free library service of recorded books and magazines to persons who are unable
to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical limitations.
This service is available to eligible residents of the United States and American
citizens living abroad.

Individuals and institutions eligible for the NLS program may request
appropriate playback equipment on free loan for as long as they are actively
using this library service. Full details about eligibility requirements, a list of
available equipment, and the addresses of cooperating libraries may be obtained
by contacting the Reference Section, National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542.

This buying guide is intended for individuals and institutions that wish to
purchase their own playback equipment, desire special features, or are ineligible
for the free loan of NLS-provided playback equipment. It lists cassette players,
followed by cassette player-recorders, available from a variety of sources.
Playback speeds are noted in inches per second (ips). The standard commercial
speed is 1-7/8 ips, and the NLS-compatible speed is 15/16 ips.

Part I lists producers of playback equipment that sell their products nationally
and internationally or will make referrals to authorized distributors. Basic and
optional features of each product are given. Accessories such as carrying cases,
AC adaptors, headphones, and beltclips may be available at additional cost.
Prices do not include shipping and handling charges or any applicable state
taxes. Catalogs and the latest price quotations may be obtained directly from
producers.

Part II includes additional distributors of the products described in detail in Part
I. These distributors sell items nationally and internationally and should be
contacted directly for catalogs or descriptive literature. No attempt was made to
identify and list distributors at the local level.

Monaural headphones compatible with NLS machines are available from:
American Printing House for the Blind, Ann Morris, LS&S Group, Inc., and
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Materials Center. Monaural headphones
are also available from local Radio Shack stores and electronic outlets that sell
Telex products.

Items listed in this reference circular are not part of the National Library Service
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program, and their listing does not
imply endorsement.